A Closer Look at Substance Use Abuse and Oxycodone

Addiction comes in many forms. Many of the most commonly known forms of dependence are those that have always held a stigma in society, such as addiction to drugs, alcohol, or even sex.

But many people don’t realize that something as seemingly simple as a reliance on pain killers can also become a full blown addiction that is well within the territory of substance use abuse. In the scientific field, this is known as the Oxycodone Addiction.

In essence, Oxycodone, also known as Oxycontin, is a narcotic pain killer that can only be legally acquired with a doctor’s prescription. This is because Oxycodone is one of the more powerful pain killers used in dealing with moderate to severe pain; the downside is that this drug can also be highly addictive.

Substance Use Abuse: Understanding Oxycodone

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, there are 1.9 million Americans taking Oxycodone without a prescription. It is considered as one of the most abused prescription drugs. Also, the National Institute on Drug Abuse cites that the younger generation has been exposed to this drug. In its 2010 record, for example, 4.6% of 10th graders and 5.1% of 12th graders have used this drug recreationally.

Oxycodone actually comes in many forms, as it serves as an active ingredient in prescription pain relievers. These can include Oxycontin, Percocet (a well-known name in the industry), Endocet, Tylox, Combunox, Percodan, and Roxiprin. Some of these pain relievers combine Oxycodone with aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

Symptoms of Oxycodone Substance Use Abuse and Addiction

Addiction to Oxycodone usually results from taking more than the prescribed dosage of the pain reliever. Another common reason for why tolerance for Oxycodone can escalate to the level of addiction is when the same dose of pain killer is taken for a long period of time; this can have an effect on the way the body processes and becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug in its system.

Overuse of Oxycodone, then, can already be one sign of addiction, if you look closely enough. The key is to know if the patient is taking more than the prescribed dose; if that is the case, immediate intervention to change this negative practice is required.

When it comes to this particular drug, symptoms are not limited to physical indicators, but also behavioral ones. One good example is when a patient has been “doctor-hopping,” which is defined as the behavior of an individual who goes to different doctors in order to acquire new and/or ongoing sets of prescriptions for Oxycodone.

Be Alert to the Signs of Oxycodone Substance Abuse

Substance use abuse can also be signified by psychological problems when the dosage runs out and the user no longer has access to prescriptions. This can include noticeable to intense mood changes, feelings or tendencies for isolation, and sudden changes in personality.

There is also a possibility that Oxycodone is being used to replace heroin or morphine. While this cannot be generalized, it could be that someone who is craving the effects of taking either morphine or heroin may want to take Oxycodone as a substitute.

Other physical symptoms to watch out for in someone who may be involved in the substance use abuse of Oxycodone is depression, muscle tremors, redness of the skin, nausea, and constipation.

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Help for the Cocaine Addict

While cocaine is a very strong stimulant drug and one of the hardest to come off of; it can be done and sobriety is achieved daily by thousands of cocaine addicts all over the world.

Going to rehab is a must, this is not a drug one can just stop taking and stay clean.

It can be heartbreaking to try and try and fail and fail. That is why finding a program that addresses the issues of cocaine addiction and keeps the addict long enough to get him stably on his feet, is so important.

We know programs that can do this - so call us now.

The ultimate options for Cocaine Addicts come down to:

1. Incarceration

2. Death

3. Sobriety

There is no nice way to say it. Take a stand for life and do something now.